Positive outcome for centrotherm photovoltaics at EU PVSEC in Valencia

Blaubeuren, 17.09.2010

Advanced contract negotiations with well-known customers

Major interest in ISE-certified solar cells with 19.1 percent efficiency, and in the 24 Pair CVD reactor

Due to a good response from customers, centrotherm photovoltaics AG reported a positive outcome from the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) in Valencia, which ended a few days ago. "This trade fair proved worthwhile for us. We conducted conversations with the largest manufacturers, and we are in advanced contract negotiations with well-known companies", comments Dr. Peter Fath, Management Board member responsible for Technology and Marketing at centrotherm photovoltaics AG, the world's leading supplier of equipment and systems manufacturer in the photovoltaics sector. "In terms of technology, we received very positive feedback on the selective emitter and the new centaurus rear side technology."

With its selective emitter and new centaurus rear side technology, the Solar Cell & Module division of the photovoltaics specialists from Blaubeuren are offering new efficiency records. Ahead of the EU PVSEC, the company announced that mean efficiencies of 19.1 percent had been achieved on normal industrial production systems for mono-crystalline silicon solar cells – and peak results of 19.2 percent. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Europe's largest solar research institution, also certified this 19.1 percent efficiency.

Its Silicon & Wafer division, centrotherm SiTec, in which the centrotherm photovoltaics Group bundles its silicon expertise, garnered much attention for its 24 Pair CVD reactor with accompanying STC-TCS converter, which was presented for the first time at the EU PVSEC. All of the important companies within the sector were interested in the next generation of key silicon production equipment according to the company. The Multistep Power Cabinet (MPC) energy supply system for CVD reactors and STC-TCS converters, which was also newly launched, and which was jointly developed with Siemens, also encountered a positive response. The MPC's space-saving and modular structure differentiates itself from other energy supply systems through lower investment costs, and also in terms of time and cost savings during installation, commissioning and maintenance. The multi-crystalline ingot furnace that has been further optimized generated major interest, too.

The trade fair also proceeded very well for GP Solar, a one hundred percent centrotherm photovoltaics subsidiary. Leading sector producers were very interested in the newly developed thin film module inspection system that was presented for the first time in Valencia, according to GP Solar. The company went on to state that requests have already been submitted for initial tenders. The equipment allows the smallest defects to be identified already during production, thereby reducing waste.

FHR Anlagenbau, another one hundred percent centrotherm photovoltaics subsidiary, mentioned that it, too, had enjoyed a very successful trade fair response. The specialist machine builder for coating systems reported demand volume of more than EUR 20 million for thin film technology.

"Our strategy of concentrating on efficiency-enhancing technology updates along the photovoltaic value chain is proving worthwhile. It also allows existing customers to benefit from the use of new technology by expanding their capacities and reducing their manufacturing costs through efficiency gains", Dr. Fath goes on to add. Our aim is to further expand our customers' advantage with respect to cost-leadership and efficiency." He goes on to comment that one market trend at the EU PVSEC had been a demand for single equipment items to expand existing factories.

About centrotherm photovoltaics AG

centrotherm photovoltaics AG, which is based at Blaubeuren, is the world's leading technology and equipment provider for the photovoltaics sector. The company equips well-known solar companies and new sector entrants with turnkey production lines and single equipment to manufacture silicon, crystalline solar cells and thin film modules. As a consequence, the Group possesses a broad and well-founded technological basis, as well as key equipment at practically all steps of the photovoltaics value chain. centrotherm photovoltaics guarantees its customers important performance parameters such as production capacity, efficiencies, and completion deadlines. The Group employs over 1,300 staff members, and operates in Europe, Asia and the USA. In the 2009 financial year, centrotherm photovoltaics achieved revenue of EUR 509.1 million, and EBIT of EUR 37.2 million. The company is listed in the TecDax of the Frankfurt Securities Exchange.